Holidays Are *Not* The Time For Most Suicides

"Suicide is actually highest in the Spring and Fall," Humphries-Wadsworth
said. "The holidays can be a time where things come up, and that can be
stressful for anyone, but it doesn't tend to lead to suicide."
One theory for this popular misunderstanding could be movies and plot lines
like the one in "It's a Wonderful Life", a classic holiday movie from 1946
in which the main character is contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve. The
natural stress of holiday travel, spending time with family when there may
be long-standing tensions, tight budgets during a time when gift giving is
expected - these things can all add to an overwhelming feeling of dismay.
It's possible that Hollywood's play on these emotions leading to suicide
may have contributed to many of us thinking that was true.
[image: Inline image 1]
The Centers for Disease Control statistics say that the least number of
suicides take place during November and December. This myth is solidly
busted.
Any time of the year, many of us may know someone who struggles with
depression and it can be difficult to know how to help. The best thing to
do is show that you care and follow it with reminders of hope. "Express
your concern directly," Humphries-Wadsworth said. "Being able to talk to
someone lightens the load, particularly when people are under a lot of
stress. Genuinely reach out and just spend time with them."
Support is everywhere. Rally a network of friends around the person and
find out who is most influential to them; positively encourage the person
to seek professional help. There are also mental health centers in every
county in Wyoming and they can offer advice. You may try to find out if the
person has started, or stopped, a new medication recently that could be
affecting their mood and encourage them to talk to their physician about
the change.
"Mental healthcare is part of our healthcare. There is no magic line
between the two," Humphries-Wadsworth said.
Using the 80/20 rule is the best way to start; express 20% concern and
offer 80% hope. If you need more specific advice call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
and you'll be routed to your nearest mental health center.
#reboot #news #sponsored

Holidays Are *Not* The Time For Most Suicides

"Suicide is actually highest in the Spring and Fall," Humphries-Wadsworth
said. "The holidays can be a time where things come up, and that can be
stressful for anyone, but it doesn't tend to lead to suicide."
One theory for this popular misunderstanding could be movies and plot lines
like the one in "It's a Wonderful Life", a classic holiday movie from 1946
in which the main character is contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve. The
natural stress of holiday travel, spending time with family when there may
be long-standing tensions, tight budgets during a time when gift giving is
expected - these things can all add to an overwhelming feeling of dismay.
It's possible that Hollywood's play on these emotions leading to suicide
may have contributed to many of us thinking that was true.
[image: Inline image 1]
The Centers for Disease Control statistics say that the least number of
suicides take place during November and December. This myth is solidly
busted.
Any time of the year, many of us may know someone who struggles with
depression and it can be difficult to know how to help. The best thing to
do is show that you care and follow it with reminders of hope. "Express
your concern directly," Humphries-Wadsworth said. "Being able to talk to
someone lightens the load, particularly when people are under a lot of
stress. Genuinely reach out and just spend time with them."
Support is everywhere. Rally a network of friends around the person and
find out who is most influential to them; positively encourage the person
to seek professional help. There are also mental health centers in every
county in Wyoming and they can offer advice. You may try to find out if the
person has started, or stopped, a new medication recently that could be
affecting their mood and encourage them to talk to their physician about
the change.
"Mental healthcare is part of our healthcare. There is no magic line
between the two," Humphries-Wadsworth said.
Using the 80/20 rule is the best way to start; express 20% concern and
offer 80% hope. If you need more specific advice call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
and you'll be routed to your nearest mental health center.
#reboot #news #sponsored